Zionism is a Jewish nationalist movement that originated in eastern and central Europe in the latter part of the 19th century. Its goal is the creation and support of a Jewish national state in Palestine, the ancient homeland of the Jews. The movement was founded by Theodor Herzl in 1897, and the first Zionist Congress was held in Basel, Switzerland, which drew up the Basel program of the movement, stating that “Zionism strives to create for the Jewish people a home in Palestine secured by public law”. The movement has had as its goal the creation and support of a Jewish national state in Palestine, which is known as Israel today.

A Zionist is someone who strives for an independent Jewish state. However, not all Jews are Zionists, and not all Zionists agree on what the government of Israel should look like. Zionism is a big tent movement that includes those across the spectrum from progressives, moderates, and conservatives and those who are apolitical. There are diverse views among Zionists about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, about how to promote peace, whether to support a two-state solution, and about approaches to Israeli settlements.

Critics of Zionism call it a colonial-imperialist movement, a racist movement, and more, which Zionists categorically deny. For many, Zionism means they believe in the right of the Jews to self-determination and that Israel should exist.